Feline Leukemia Virus: Is Your Cat at Risk?

Many cat owners have heard of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), but most cat owners don't know if their cat is at risk. Feline Leukemia Virus is responsible for more deaths among cats than any other infectious disease. The cats at highest risk of getting FeLV are cats living with other cats, outdoor cats, and kittens born to infected mothers. The average age of cats infected with Feline Leukemia Virus is three years old.

Cats infected with Feline Leukemia Virus are found worldwide. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, approximately two to three percent of all cats in the United States are infected with Feline Leukemia Virus.

Feline Leukemia Virus is a retrovirus that can lower a cat's immune system. A cat with a lowered immune system is more likely to develop other infections, blood disorders and even cancer. Being infected with FeLV is the most common cause of cancer in cats. Most often it is the secondary infection caused by the weakened immune system that can be fatal for your cat.

Some infected cats have strong immune systems that enable them to recover fully within a few weeks. Others will become carriers for many years but will not exhibit symptoms. About one third of cats will immediately get the active form of the disease. These cats will have Feline Leukemia Virus for the rest of their lives.

Feline Leukemia Virus is spread through contact with infected cats. The virus can be spread through saliva and nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk from infected cats. Cats can spread the virus through bites, nose-to-nose contact, sneezing, blood transfusions, grooming each other, nursing, and sharing food dishes or litter boxes.

In the early stages of being infected with Feline Leukemia Virus, your cat may not show any signs of being ill. Over time, however, you may notice the following symptoms:
Poor appetite
Weight Loss
Poor coat condition
Enlarged lymph nodes
Fever
Lethargy
Jaundice
Anemia
Pale gums and other mucus membranes
Inflammation of the gums and mouth
Infections of the skin
Diarrhea or constipation
Respiratory distress
Seizures
Behavior or neurological disorders
Eye conditions
Reproductive failures in female cats

The life expectancy of a cat infected with Feline Leukemia Virus varies depending on the cat's immune system. After two or three years, most cats will no longer be able to fight off FeLV-related diseases. So far there has been no evidence that any medication or alternative medicine has had any positive benefits on the health or life span of infected cats. Proper care of secondary infections may help to extend the cat's life span and make the cat more comfortable.

There are two common tests that Veterinarians use to detect the the virus: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and IFA (indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay). ELISA is a rapid screening test that can be performed in the vet's clinic using a saliva sample. IFA is a lab test that detects the virus in the blood. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the tests to verify the diagnosis.

The best way to protect a cat from becoming infected with Feline Leukemia Virus is to prevent the cat from coming into contact with other infected cats. To do that, you should keep cats indoors, or provide an enclosed area free from stray cats. When adopting a cat, make sure they are virus-free. Infected cats should never be allowed to interact with non-infected cats. If your cat is at risk of being infected, you may want to consider having your cat vaccinated for FeLV.

Researchers agree that FeLV cannot be transmitted to humans. But since infected cats are more likely to carry other diseases, people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, infants and pregnant women should avoid contact with infected cats.